What is HIV Testing?

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HIV Testing

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing determines whether or not you're infected with HIV, a virus that weakens your immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

HIV Testing

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV destroys the bodys immune system and leads to AIDS. People with AIDS develop many diseases and opportunistic infections (such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, and skin infections) that ultimately lead to death. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Prevention is critical. If you have been exposed to the HIV virus in any number of ways, you can be tested to see if you have the HIV antibodies. How HIV is transmitted The HIV virus can be transmitted by unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex), sharing needles, transfused blood products, mother to newborn (30% risk), and occupational needlestick exposures. From the minute the HIV enters the body, the virus begins replicating at a rate of 10 billion new specimens per day. Some 90% of all new HIV infections occur in developing countries, such as in Africa and Asia, where the vast majority of cases are transmitted by sexual relations between men and women (heterosexual intercourse). In the United States, the vast majority of cases are known to have been transmitted by homosexuals and IV drug abusers. Among homosexuals, it appears that the receptive partner during anal intercourse is placed at highest risk for disease transmission. Heterosexual transmission is on the rise from 5% in 1980 to 8% currently. Among heterosexuals, male-to-female transmission is much more likely to occur than female-to-male transmission. Among women with HIV, heterosexual contact is the most common source of infection.

ELISA/Western blot tests for HIV

HIV ELISA/Western blot is a set of blood tests used to diagnose chronic infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Human immunodeficiency virus

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) suppresses the immune system’s ability to fight infection and disease. HIV was first identified in the early 1980s. The virus targets white blood cells in the immune system known as helper T cells (or CD4 cells), thus impairing the body's ability to fight infections. While much has been learned since HIV was first identified, it is still not entirely clear how the virus destroys CD4 cells or impairs the immune system's ability to fight infection.

AIDS

The occurrence of immune deficiency in previously healthy individuals. There is no specific therapy.

HIV Antibody

To determine if you are infected with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

HIV and AIDS

The exact origin of HIV remains unknown, but most scientists agree that a form of the virus, known as SIVcpz (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus from chimps), was (and still is) present in chimpanzees living in parts of Africa.

National HIV and STD Testing Resources

What are the different HIV screening tests available in the United States? If I test HIV negative, does that mean that my sex partner is HIV negative also? ...

HIV test - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

HIV tests are used to detect the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus in serum, saliva, or urine. Such tests may detect HIV antibodies, antigens, ...

HIV Testing | Topics | CDC HIV/AIDS

Oct 27, 2009 ... CDC provides leadership in the devlopment, implementation, and evaluation of HIV testing science and implementation.